Carlo Ancelotti Faces the Heat but Vows to Turn Real Madrid’s Season Around
Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti is no stranger to the pressure cooker that comes with managing one of the biggest clubs in the world. But even for a seasoned veteran like him, the past few weeks have been a whirlwind of criticism and scrutiny. With his team losing two of their last three games across all competitions, the Italian manager has found himself in the crosshairs of fans and media alike. Yet, in true Ancelotti fashion, he’s using the negativity as motivation to steer his team back on track.
“I have to accept the criticism because the team is not at its best,” Ancelotti admitted during a press conference ahead of Real Madrid’s LaLiga clash with Girona. “As is always the case in football, the coach is the most responsible, and that is where the criticism falls. That said, I think I am getting too much criticism, which could mean that you [the media] are tired of me.”
Despite the mounting pressure, Ancelotti remains upbeat. “I am not tired of this job. I am happy despite the criticism, which I understand. And sometimes criticism can be fuel to do even better,” he added. It’s a bold statement from a man who knows the stakes are sky-high at a club like Real Madrid.
Real Madrid’s Recent Struggles
Let’s break it down. Real Madrid currently sits four points behind their eternal rivals, Barcelona, in the LaLiga standings. To make matters worse, they’ve dropped to 24th in the Champions League table—a shocking position for a team that lifted the trophy just last season. Losses to Liverpool and Athletic Club have only added fuel to the fire.
For a club that demands excellence, these results are simply unacceptable. Ancelotti, who guided Madrid to a LaLiga-Champions League double last season, has taken the brunt of the blame. But he’s not shying away from it. “It’s not a funeral,” he said, trying to put things into perspective. “We’re still fighting in all competitions. We have to be optimistic, keeping in mind the problems we’re having and have had.”
What’s Bothering Ancelotti?
While Ancelotti is willing to shoulder the blame, he did express frustration with certain aspects of the criticism. “Like I say, the criticism is understandable, but there are parts of it which annoy me,” he explained. “It can affect you, especially when the dig affects a person’s identity. If you say I’ve made a bad change or picked the wrong team, that’s professional. But it affects a person’s identity if it touches on who you are. It’s not the same to tell someone they’ve done something stupid or to call them stupid, it’s different.”
It’s a fair point. Critiquing tactics and decisions is one thing, but personal attacks cross a line. Ancelotti’s measured response shows his experience and resilience, qualities that will be crucial as he navigates this challenging period.
Injury Updates and Mbappé’s Struggles
On the injury front, there’s some good news for Madrid fans. Ancelotti confirmed that Vinícius Júnior is back in training. The Brazilian forward, who’s been sidelined since Nov. 24, won’t be available for the Girona match but is expected to feature against Atalanta in the Champions League midweek. His return will undoubtedly provide a much-needed boost to Madrid’s attack.
Meanwhile, all eyes remain on Kylian Mbappé. The French superstar has struggled to find his rhythm in Spain, missing penalties in back-to-back games against Liverpool and Athletic. Ancelotti, however, is standing by his star player. “His comments after the [Athletic] game show a player conscious of [not being at his best],” the coach said. “Of course, we are all with him. He is a player that is not at his best, but a lot of players would not realize that.”
According to Ancelotti, it’s all about consistency and adaptation. “I think it’s a consistency problem, and [his best form] will arrive when he and his teammates adapt to his characteristics, which are special. That connection will come little by little. The most important thing is he’s aware of that and working hard to be at his best as soon as possible.”
What’s Next for Real Madrid?
As Madrid prepares to face Girona, the pressure is on to deliver a convincing performance. Here are three key takeaways from Ancelotti’s comments:
- He’s using criticism as motivation to improve.
- Vinícius Júnior’s return could be a game-changer.
- Kylian Mbappé’s struggles are temporary, and the team is rallying behind him.
It’s clear that Ancelotti is not ready to throw in the towel. With a quality squad and a determined mindset, Real Madrid still has plenty of time to turn their season around. Whether they can rise to the occasion remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the world will be watching.
Originally Written by: Julien Laurens
